In a groundbreaking move, Lionel Messi has propelled Inter Miami to unprecedented heights, leveraging a loophole that has catapulted the club above traditional professional standards, reported by GOAL. Since joining the club in 2023, Messi’s impact has been nothing short of transformative, both on and off the field.
Following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi made a seismic shift to the United States, signing with the Herons. Led by club co-owner David Beckham, the allure of Miami’s vibrant atmosphere and promising prospects undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Messi’s decision.
Record-breaking success for Inter Miami
Under Messi’s stewardship, Inter Miami has experienced a meteoric rise in revenue streams, shattering previous records in merchandise sales and ticket purchases. Xavier Asensi, the team’s general director, highlighted the staggering financial growth catalyzed by Messi’s presence. Asensi remarked, “With the arrival of Messi, we have gone from having a budget of earning just over 60 million to ending up billing around 125 or 130. This year I hope we will start billing around 200 million dollars, or more.”
Exploiting the MLS calendar
One key advantage afforded to Inter Miami is the flexibility of the MLS calendar, which allows the club to capitalize on various revenue-generating opportunities. By strategically scheduling preseason tours to regions such as Saudi Arabia and the Far East, Inter Miami maximizes their earning potential.
Asensi emphasized, “Whatever Inter Miami can earn on a preseason tour, it is above what a professional football club has ever won. There are several factors, such as the fact that the big European clubs can do their tours at the same time, which is in the summer. We can do them when no one at that level can do them, which is in January or February. With Leo, obviously we try to pull behind him in this sense and adapt the structure so that this can happen, but 80 percent of zero is zero. If Messi were not there, what we are talking about would not exist.” Messi’s star power amplifies the allure of these tours, drawing global attention and bolstering Inter Miami’s brand on a global scale.
What’s next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on in the second half against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
As Messi continues to dazzle on the field, his off-field influence remains equally huge. Inter Miami’s growing fan base and heightened international profile reflect the enduring appeal of having a footballing icon within their ranks. With Messi generating MVP buzz and spearheading Inter Miami’s quest for MLS Cup glory, the club’s trajectory appears bound for continued success.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has ushered in a new era of prosperity and prestige for the club. Through astute management and strategic leveraging of Messi’s star power, Inter Miami has transcended conventional boundaries, positioning themselves as trailblazers in the world of professional football. As Messi’s time at the club unfolds, the possibilities for Inter Miami seem boundless, with the potential for further achievements on the horizon.
